Three-quarters of 18–24-year-olds planning overseas travel in 2024

ABTA – The Travel Association has revealed that 18–24-year-olds are set to be the most prolific travellers in 2024.

Dubbed ‘Generation T’ by ABTA due to their enthusiasm for travel, almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of them are planning to travel overseas in the next 12 months – the highest of any age group according to ABTA’s research.

The top choice of travel experience for this age group is adventure holidays, with this generation being almost three times as likely than the average traveller to be heading off on this type of holiday. In addition, they are twice as likely to be camping, heading to a major sports event, taking a train holiday, and going on a food and drink-based break.

In terms of destinations, the top five are:

• Italy
• France
• USA
• Spain
• Germany.

However, the appetite for travel among this group is being affected by the cost of living crisis. Ninety-three per cent of 18–24-year-olds said the cost of living will have an impact on their travel plans in the next 12 months.

Only four per cent say they won’t go away at all due to the rising cost of living, compared with 10 per cent of the wider population. Instead, they’re planning other ways of keeping costs down, with a 32 per cent planning to book cheaper accommodation; 27 per cent taking fewer holidays; 25 per cent eating out less on holiday; and 24 per cent choosing cheaper transport options.

Graeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA said: “18-24-year-olds have been increasingly keen to get out and see the world over the last few years. They went on an average of 2.7 holidays abroad each in the last 12 months, up from 2.2 holidays abroad each in the 12 months prior to that.

“That doesn’t mean lots of quick breaks either. Generation T has been taking a much higher number of holidays for seven days or more than any other age group. So, while this group has a keen eye on cost, they continue to be a highly attractive market for many in the travel industry.”